The Bell Gardens Democrat says consumption of fatty, ultra-processed foods has exploded since the sales taxes were repealed.

Grocers supported the tax repeal 24 years ago. The California Grocers Association says it cannot take a position on Garcia's bill before the language is released.

The announcement comes one day after the release of a UCLA study that estimated 46 percent of Californians are prediabetic. On Wednesday, Democratic Assemblyman Richard Bloom of Santa Monica proposed a fee on sugary beverages.